Francis Hughes Murkowski (born March 28, 1933) served as the RepublicanGovernor of Alaska from 2002 through 2006 and United States Senator from 1981 to 2002. Raised in Ketchikan, Alaska, Murkowski served on the U.S. Coast Guard until 1957 and would go on to become the state's youngest Commissioner of Economic Development in 1966 at the age of 33. In 1977 he became President of the Alaska Chamber of Commerce. In 1980 Murkowski was elected to the United States Senate, and reelected in 1986, 1992, and 1998. He served on the Energy and Resources, Finance, Indian Affairs and Veterans' Affairs committees. Upon his resignation after his election as governor, Murkowski appointed his daughter, State Representative Lisa Murkowski, to the Senate, leading to charges of nepotism.

Toward the end of his administration he brokered a deal for a gas pipeline, however was never considered by the state legislature. During his 2006 reelection campaign Murkowski was defeated for the Republican nomination by Wasilla mayor Sarah Palin.